Every now and again, I find myself wandering over to the Christie’s real estate website for a good snoop through their Paris files. It’s a completely delusional exercise, but I do it anyway, staring wide-eyed at the dream homes, all the while obliviously dropping croissant flakes over my keyboard. I find it helps to quench my curiosity for what lies behind the Parisian facades; help understand what might be hiding under those elaborate rooftops I see on my Sunday strolls, or imagine the floor plan of that town mansion whose gates I was trying to get a peek through the other day. I’ve picked out some of my favourites, so grab your croissant, it’s time to see how the other half live in Paris…
1. The Beam Dream
Probably the most show-stopping display of beam work I’ve come across. It’s like living under a giant eagle’s nest– great view included….
The details: Paris 6th – Bonaparte. A beautiful and unusual loft in an 18th century building, overlooking a stunning garden. It has an American style kitchen, a bedroom, a closet , a bathroom and a study space in the mezzanine.
Asking price: €1,250,000. Find the full listing here.
2. The Country Bumpkin Townhouse
I absolutely can picture myself having my compote breakfast in this old-fashioned little kitchen. I wouldn’t change a thing.
The details: Paris 16th – Muette. This private mansion surrounded by a sunny garden of 120sqm, located close to schools and shops in a very quiet area, is composed on the ground floor of a living room, a dining room, an office and a kitchen. At the first and second floors, six bedrooms and four bathrooms. This house is an ideal place for a family. A basement and a garage complete this property that requires renovation.
That looks like a guest house fixer-upper to me!
Asking price: €3,360,000. Find the full listing here.
3. A Romanesque Den
Are we in Paris or Rome?
The details: Paris 4th – Rue des Barres. This elegant apartment is ideally located in an pedestrian street close to the river. It comprises of an entrance hall, a reception area opening onto the garden.
Asking price: €2,300,000. Find the full listing here.
4. You had me at the Courtyard
Pink and blue with 18th century beams? Could I just put a roof over the whole thing and call it home?
Paris 3rd – Rue Elzevir. On the 2nd floor of a 18th century building, this 85 sqm apartment features a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a dressing, a separate toilet. Quiet and lightfull, beams, parquet flooring, needs of modernization.
Asking price: €1,295,000. Full listing here.
5. Eclectic House of Treasures
This house is just full of surprises, from its bohemian veranda and traditional deco to the very sexy pool hiding in the basement…
Paris 16th. In a private gated villa, a charming house with a beautiful sunny garden. It features large reception rooms, a dining room, a kitchen and a greenhouse. Two bedrooms with a study and a bathroom on the 1st level and a large master suite on 2nd level with terrace. Large swimming pool in the basement. Guesthouse in garden with a wine cellar. 2 parkings spaces.
Of course there’s a wine cellar.
Price upon request. Find the full listing here.
6. The Bohemian Aristocrat’s Apartment of Secret Doors
Think of all the brilliant minds that spent smokey, wine-fuelled evenings here in deep conversation with their bourgeois host, known for his secrets…
How many portals at the twist of a painting do you think this place is hiding? What stories lie behind these walls?
The details: Paris 6th – Bonaparte. Exceptional apartment. On the “noble” floor with a lift in a 18th century building with 4.50 m high ceiling. Triple reception room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a dressing room, separated kitchen.
Asking price: €2,390,000. Full listing here.
7. My not-so-little Parisian Loft
The details: Paris 7th – Grenelle/Saint Guillaume. Facing a quiet courtyard, like a house, 715 sqf duplex apartment offering a large living room with kitchen on the groundfloor, and on the first floor a large bedroom, an office, a shower room and a separated toilet.
Asking price: €850,000. Find the full listing here.
8. Miss Havisham’s Groovy Parisian Lair
Slightly mysterious, scary or haunted and yet, completely sassy inside…
Paris 9th – Avenue Frochot. On the most prestigious private street of the 9th district of Paris, charming and peaceful 6-room apartment with a 65 sqm garden. It features an entrance hall, a kitchen, a 40 sqm double living room, a study room, a bedroom with a bathroom. At the lower level a suite with a study room, a bathroom and a dressing room.
Asking price: €2,250,000. Full listing here.
9. The Window Apartment
Oh Paris, now you’re just showing off!
The details: Paris 16th – Boulevard Montmorency. Penthouse on the top floors of an “Art Deco” building with beautiful views over Paris. Large reception featuring high ceilings, balconies and terraces. 4 bedrooms, a study and a cellar.
Asking price: €2,950,000. Find the full listing here.
10. The House with Good Bones
Impeccable parquet, ever-present ironwork, unexpected windows and high ceilings– I’d say it’s got perfect bones.
The details: Paris 6th – Near Saint Sulpice. Charming townhouse of 114 sqm on 3 levels. It features a kitchen, a living room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a shower room and rooftop of 20 sqm. South exposure. Perfect condition.
Asking price: 2,675,000. Full listing here.
